Every year for the last seven years, residents of Eleventh Street in Emerson Valley have been treated to the heated Christmas lights rivalry between Fred Tarpin and Angelica Narducci. Last year’s battle saw Mr. Turpin receive a majority of the votes for his “Winter Wonderland” display. Mrs. Narducci has been planning on how to get her revenge for 11 long months. Based on the massive amount of lights both fighters have been unravelling, this year is shaping up to be the Duel of the Santa-ry!

When asked about her display this year, Mrs. Narducci was uncharacteristically tight-lipped. “A security breach led to my plans leaking out last year,” she said. “Even my own mother has no idea what I’ve got in store.”

For those of you who haven’t been following the divisive history of the Christmas lights war, the leak Mrs. Narducci was referring to was when her 11-year-old daughter mentioned the theme to a couple of friends at school. It is unknown whether or not the girl ever made it out of time-out, as there haven’t been any reported sightings of her since.

For his part, Mr. Tarpin was equally evasive when interviewed by the Gazette. “Did Angie tell you what she’s doing? No! Didn’t think so! Why would you think I’d tell you mine?”

Fans of Christmas lights will have to wait until next Sunday for the official unveiling. However, a word to those of you whose curiosity simply won’t allow you to wait: you can get a pretty good idea of what the two houses will look like by about midweek if you just look at the lights during the day.

Who will prove victorious in the Duel of the Santa-ry? Only time will tell! Time and the residents of Eleventh Street who will be voting on the winner!

-Ashton Rook, Lifestyle, Emerson Valley Gazette